Why Albert Yeung Sau-shing carries $50,000 in cash at all times

Entertainment mogul Albert Yeung Sau-shing, one of Hong Kong's richest businesspeople and the man behind the city's top singers, has admitted he feels inferior if he carries less than HK$50,000 in his wallet.

In a rare public appearance yesterday, the 69-year-old Emperor Group founder addressed about 600 people at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai to share his secrets to success and expound on his autobiography, Work Hard, which he published in March.

The forum, organised by a radio station, was scheduled in time for the book's release but was delayed by a typhoon.

Yeung spilled more titbits about his private life, previously unknown to the public.

"I always have HK$40,000 to HK$50,000 cash in my pocket, or I would feel uncomfortable," he said, explaining the need sprung from having grown up poor.

"I like lending money to others," he said. "It springs from a sense of inferiority. My dad borrowed from loan sharks. Now I feel good being a creditor."

Having confessed to controversial episodes in his book, such as cheating with celebrities while married to his now ex-wife Ren Manling, Yeung yesterday shared lighter details, such as habits and quirks - including being obsessed with neatness.